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Isolation of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus from the gastrointestinal tracts of SCID mice

T Ohsugi1, K Shimoda, K Maejima

  • 1Laboratory Animals Breeding Facilities, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.

Laboratory Animals
|July 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice showed gastrointestinal colonization by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, unlike their normal immunity counterparts. These SCID mice remained healthy, indicating a potential role for immunity in controlling this bacterial colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Animal Models

Background:

  • Acinetobacter calcoaceticus is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • The role of the host immune system in controlling enteric bacterial colonization is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the susceptibility of immunodeficient mice to Acinetobacter calcoaceticus colonization.
  • To determine the impact of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus colonization on the health of immunodeficient mice.

Main Methods:

  • Colonization studies were performed using C.-B17-scid/scid (SCID) mice and control mice with normal immunity (C.B17-scid/+ and C.B17-+/+).
  • Mice were housed under identical conditions.
  • Bacterial presence was assessed through isolation from gastrointestinal tracts and other organs.

Main Results:

  • Acinetobacter calcoaceticus colonized the gastrointestinal tracts of SCID mice but not normal immunity mice.
  • No other organs in SCID mice yielded A. calcoaceticus or other enteric bacteria.
  • Colonized SCID mice showed no significant visceral lesions and appeared healthy.

Conclusions:

  • SCID mice are susceptible to gastrointestinal colonization by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.
  • Normal host immunity appears to prevent colonization by this bacterium.
  • Acinetobacter calcoaceticus colonization in SCID mice does not lead to overt disease.

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